Spencer Still Trying to Remain a Texan

Toward the end of OTAs, the Texans tried to decide how they would proceed with offensive lineman Charles Spencer.

Spencer attended the mandatory and voluntary practices this offseason, but he was not cleared by team trainers to participate in all of the drills because of his knee.

"We've had long discussions with him," coach Gary Kubiak said. "The bottom line is that we're not quite sure that he's ready to get out here and be more active."

The Texans are trying to decide how likely it is that Spencer will be able to help the team this season. His knee is still a major concern. He injured it in Week 2 of the 2006 season and has been diligent rehabbing it ever since.

The Texans currently have 86 players on their roster. That number will have to be cut to 80 prior to training camp since their drafted rookies will sign contracts by then.

This is the first time NFL coaches have only been allowed to take 80 players into camp. And that's why so much focus is being put on Spencer and his future.

"It's a big issue, you know, and the issue is strictly a numbers issue with the football team because taking 80 guys to camp and having 80 guys to go through an NFL camp is just a very small number," Kubiak said. "And it's new water for all of us as coaches and general managers, so that's why it makes this decision even tougher as we move forward."

Spencer has every intention of remaining with the team. He said Thursday he was "real close" to practicing and that he was preparing for training camp. He also reiterated his unwavering faith that he will return to the field.

"Every day ever since (being hurt), I've been working to get back on the field," said Spencer, who is being moved from tackle to guard. "It's a little over a year and a half. I'm looking to be one of those top guys on this team, and I'm working that way. I can't wait to get there."

The Texans do have the ability to put Spencer back on PUP, but the move is unlikely. They already have Dunta Robinson slated to go on PUP, and that means they can take only 79 players into training camp who are capable of practicing. Robinson will count against the 80-man limit until after training camp ends. If Spencer was in the same situation, the Texans would only be allowed 78 players.

"We've got a lot of conversations to have between now and training camp," Smith said. "His rehab process has gone slow, and we had hoped that it would have been a little bit better at this point and so from a lot of standpoints, that's a little disappointing. But we're going to continue to be patient with Charles and give him every opportunity that we can to make it back."

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